Moving Beyond the To-Do list!

Tonight, as our family made its way to Sarah's award ceremony at Beaufort Middle School Marcia said something transforming to me. She said, "Do you fear that as we focus so much on our to-do list concerning this move [and there are many] we are losing focus on the greater picture of what's happening around us?'

At first I didn't understand her question. I was still focused on my meeting this afternoon with our Realtor as we calculated the square footage of our home and made plans for trying to sell it. I had spent all day at The Baptist Church of Beaufort boxing books and completing final workday emails shifting my responsibilities to others. I have been laser focused on the tasks before us - trying to mark things off a little each day.

Then, in a flash (sort of), I got her question. My to-do lists were overwhelming my excitement about this move and new ministry and keeping me from seeing the people I love all around me. My things to do were getting in the way of the people I needed to see. It pains me to admit this even to myself.

Tonight I feel a new peace descending in my spirit. God is really moving in our family's life and in the lives of folks around us. I pray that as the summer progresses God (and Marcia) will continue to remind me to move past the to-do's to the places and people of grace all around me.

Here are a few blessings in our move transition.

1. We have a home in Cornelia! Marcia went last weekend for the inspection. All of us can barely contain our excitement. Even Sarah said, "I'm getting excited about our new house and meeting some new friends." I told you that God is moving!
2. We have survived the transition from 2 dogs to 1. Last week was terrible as we told our girls on Monday that the vet suggested we give Ginger - our escape artist - to a no kill shelter after she injured herself trying to get out of her crate (think blood everywhere). It's amazing how we have struggled to help this dog for almost 5 years and when it was the right time, God opened all the doors perfectly. A great shelter. It was so hard to tell the girls, especially with everything else happening. But now, the mood in our house and family has changed and Lucy, our other dog, is doing better than ever. She's become a better dog through this process. This is an answer to a prayer I've been praying for a long time.
3. We are excited about a fun reception at The Baptist Church of Beaufort this weekend. I love these folks and look forward to laughing and being with them.
4. Boxes are being packed. Home repairs - both on our home, mom's home (which is now under contract) and the house in GA. Good things.

For those praying for us, please remember my mom, Jean, who will have some dental surgery next Friday after a fall she took a few weeks ago. She is healing well and is looking for ward to a new smile.

Blessings.

Eric